Page 8 - Reading Exercises

Most people may not think that knitting, crocheting, and jam-making are thrilling.
However, they turn out to be very good for well-being. A study has found that people
who participate in arts and crafts feel happier, calmer, and more energetic the next day.
The researchers also listed other activities which included cooking, baking, performing
music, painting, drawing, sketching, digital design, and creative writing. All of them

make participants relaxed and creative.
Many of the more traditional activities on the researchers’ list are popular with
Women’ Institute members. Janice Langley, chairman of the National Federation of
Women’s Institutes, told the Daily Mail, “WI members have enjoyed creative activities
and crafts since the very first WI meeting in 1915. It is great to hear this study has found
some evidence that these interests could lead to increased well-being and creativity. We
encourage everyone to try and get involved.” The WI celebrated its 100th anniversary
last year, and now it has more than 212.000 members. Even the Queen is one of its

members.
The study took place at Otago University, New Zealand. In this interesting study, 658
students kept diaries of their experiences and emotional states over 13 days. According
to Dr. Tamlin Conner, the study’s lead author, psychology research is starting to
recognize that creativity is associated with emotional functioning. However, most of this
work focuses on how emotions are good or bad for creativity. It does not focus on
whether creativity is positive or negative for emotional well-being. Engaging in creative
behavior causes increase in well-being the next day. This increased well-being is likely to
help creative activity on the same day. Overall, these findings support the new emphasis
on everyday creativity as a means of supporting positive psychological functioning. The

result showed that the students showed more enthusiasm and happiness in the days
following creative activities.

Adapted from: https//www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/25/knitting-crocheting-jam-
making-improve-mental-health-study-finds/